Image courtesy of Charlie Hanafin
We had an opportunity to chat with Dexter-Southfield athlete Charlie Hanafin after his recent commitment to West Virginia.
Hanafin joins his brother Shane (B.C) and Ronan (Clemson) who also play division one football. Charlie says he will lean heavily on their experience to guide his own.
Here is what Charlie had to say about his commitment to West Virginia, what it means to him and what he is looking forward to.
NEFJ: Why did you commit to West Virginia? What made the school and the program the right fit for you?
CH: “West Virginia just had the right feel from the beginning. I received great coaching at their camp from all of the coaches. Coach Garrett, Coach Trickett, and even Coach Rodriguez were all actively coaching each player, including me. It means a lot that they saw something special in me. Their competitive coaching style matches up with the way I try to play. I think they recognized that I play fast, competitive, and tough.”
NEFJ: Who are the people who played a part in helping you make the decision to commit to West Virginia?
CH: “God, first and always! Without him, none of this would have been possible. I feel very blessed to have great people around me to advise me and guide me in this process. My parents are my most important advisors and always have my best interest at heart. Coach Day at Dexter Southfield has been great. My older brothers, Shane at BC, and Ronan at Clemson, have gone through this same process before me. I’ve learned from their experiences and got good advice from them along the way. They told me that I would know when it felt right. West Virginia just felt right.”
NEFJ: How did Dexter Southfield prepare you for the opportunity to play in college? What will you take with you to college from an experience standpoint?
CH: “Dexter is an absolutely amazing place with amazing people. It’s a place that encourages everyone to be their best. From the second I became part of the Dexter Southfield community doors opened for me right away. The teachers and advisors have provided so much knowledge not only academically but also with leadership and life skills. I have only been here for a year and I know the connections I have made will last a lifetime.”
NEFJ: Has the coaching staff at West Virginia given you any indication of when you will be able to compete for playing time?
CH: “Yes, Coach Rodriguez, Coach Garrett as well as the entire coaching staff made it very clear that I will be able to compete and earn my spot on the field. Although I have many things to learn, work on, and improve in my game – coach told me I will be able to compete for my spot day one and I intend to do so. The best players will play. It’s up to me to get my mind and body ready to do just that.”
“Coach Rod also told me that he wants me learning all four receiver positions which I take as a compliment. I pride myself on being versatile and a football player first. It will allow me more opportunities to get on the field.”
NEFJ: Have you thought about what you are going to be majoring in?
CH: “I am going to majoring in business management.”
NEFJ: How relieved are you to be done with the recruiting process?
CH: “It has been a long ride and something I am very blessed to have gotten to experience. It has always been a dream since I can remember to be playing D1 football and to live it out seems surreal. I just want to give a big thanks to all of the amazing coaches and programs that recruited me along the way and what eventually lead me to the right decision of West Virginia.”
NEFJ: Has it sunk in yet that you are going to live out your childhood dream and play Division 1 college football?
CH: “Not quite (laughs). It just seems part of life now since it’s been something I’ve been working towards day in and day out, but I do try and take a step back as often as I can and recognize how blessed I am to have this opportunity. Like my Dad reminds me, “You’re breathing rare air! Breathe deeply!”